Importance of hydration amid hot, muggy summers

JACKSON, Tenn. — Hot and steamy summers can create extreme risk for heat-related illnesses including dehydration. Staying hydrated is critical to ensure you have energy, can focus, and feel your best.

Water alone may not be enough to keep hydrated because when we sweat, we also lose electrolytes.

New research shows that during summer, when the body loses fluids faster, drinks with electrolytes can improve fluid retention, and deliver faster hydration than water alone for up to four hours.

Dr. Dana Ryan shares why it’s more important to stay hydrated during the summer and hot temperatures.

“Hydration is one of those things that we often forget about. You know, it’s so easy to get caught up in our day, running around doing a million things, and all of a sudden, it’s night time and you realize, ‘Oh, I kind of, I’m lethargic. I have a headache. I have brain fog. I just don’t feel like myself.’ And we may not realize that ‘I haven’t drank any water, all day’,” said Dr. Ryan.

As temperatures continue to climb, even being one to two percent dehydrated can lead to fatigue, brain fog, and decreased productivity.

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